What is a balance transfer credit card?

A balance transfer card lets you move existing credit card debt to a new card with a low or 0% introductory APR. This gives you time to pay down the balance without interest building up.

Is there a fee for balance transfers?

Most cards charge a balance transfer fee of 3% to 5% of the amount transferred. On a $5,000 balance, that is $150 to $250. Even with the fee, a 0% period saves more than the fee in most cases.

How long does a 0% balance transfer period last?

Intro periods typically range from 12 to 21 months. The Wells Fargo Reflect and Citi Diamond Preferred often offer the longest 0% periods.

What credit score do I need for a balance transfer card?

Most balance transfer cards require good to excellent credit, typically 670 or above. Some cards designed for fair credit also offer balance transfer options, but the intro periods are shorter.

What happens after the 0% period ends?

After the intro period, any remaining balance begins accruing interest at the card's regular APR, which is typically 19% to 29%. Have a plan to pay off the balance before the intro period ends.

Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards 2026: Escape High-Interest Debt

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If you are carrying high-interest credit card debt, a balance transfer card can save you hundreds of dollars in interest while you pay it down. The best ones offer 0% APR for 12 to 21 months with no interest on the transferred balance.

This guide covers the top balance transfer credit cards in 2026 and how to use one effectively.

Rates and figures as of May 2026.

Best Balance Transfer Cards at a Glance

Card	0% Intro APR Period	Balance Transfer Fee	Annual Fee
Wells Fargo Reflect	21 months	5% (min $5)	$0
Citi Diamond Preferred	21 months	5% (min $5)	$0
Citi Simplicity	21 months	5% (min $5)	$0
Discover it Balance Transfer	18 months	3% (intro), then 5%	$0
Chase Freedom Unlimited	15 months	3% (intro), then 5%	$0
BankAmericard	18 billing cycles	3% (intro), then 4%	$0

Wells Fargo Reflect Card

The Wells Fargo Reflect offers one of the longest 0% intro APR periods available: 21 months on balance transfers (and purchases). There is a 5% balance transfer fee. After the intro period, the regular APR is 17.74% to 29.49% variable.

There is no annual fee and no rewards program — this card is designed purely for debt payoff.

Best for: People with large balances who need the longest possible runway to pay them off.

Citi Diamond Preferred

The Citi Diamond Preferred also offers 21 months at 0% APR on balance transfers. The transfer fee is 5% (minimum $5). After 21 months, the APR rises to 17.74% to 28.49% variable.

Like the Reflect, this is a no-frills card built for paying down debt. No annual fee.

Best for: Anyone who wants maximum 0% time without paying an annual fee.

Discover it Balance Transfer

The Discover it Balance Transfer gives you 18 months at 0% APR on balance transfers and 6 months on purchases. The transfer fee is 3% for transfers made in the first 60 days, then 5%.

Unlike the other cards here, the Discover it also earns 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories and 1% on all other purchases. That makes it useful after you have paid off the transferred balance.

Best for: People who want a long 0% period now and a rewards card to keep afterward.

How Balance Transfers Work

Here is the basic process:

Apply for a balance transfer card and get approved.
Request the transfer — give the new card issuer your old card’s account number and the amount to transfer.
The new issuer pays off the old card directly. This can take 7 to 14 days.
Keep making minimum payments on the old card until you confirm the transfer is complete.
Now focus all payments on the new card to eliminate the balance before the 0% period ends.

Is a Balance Transfer Worth the Fee?

Balance	Current APR	Transfer Fee (5%)	Interest Saved (21 mo.)	Net Savings
$3,000	24%	$150	~$630	~$480
$5,000	24%	$250	~$1,050	~$800
$10,000	24%	$500	~$2,100	~$1,600

In most cases, the fee is worth it — especially on larger balances with high interest rates.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Continuing to use the old card: Running up a new balance on the card you just paid off defeats the purpose.
Missing a payment: Many cards cancel the 0% APR if you miss a payment. Set up autopay for at least the minimum payment.
Not having a payoff plan: Divide the balance by the number of 0% months to figure out what you need to pay each month to clear the debt before interest kicks in.
Transferring more than the credit limit: You can only transfer up to your credit limit minus any fees. Confirm the limit before requesting a transfer.